Dono(2023) - "A simple wedding tale that’s easy on the eyes, but light on impact."

Directed by: Avnish Barjatya
Written by: Avnish Barjatya, Manu Sharma
Starring: Garima Agarwal, Varun Buddhadev, Poojan Chhabra, Kanikka Kapur
Genres: Drama
Categories: Bollywood Featured, Bollywood Movies 2023
Country: India
Language: Hindi

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Plot Summary

Dono follows the story of Dev and Meghna, two strangers who meet at a lavish destination wedding. Against the vibrant backdrop of a grand celebration, their connection evolves, reflecting the complexities of modern relationships. Without any heavy drama or emotionally taxing moments, the film focuses on the light-heartedness and relatability of wedding festivities.

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Highlights

Performances

• Garima Agarwal delivers a decent performance with natural expressions, fitting well into her character.

• Rajveer deol is likable and handles his role with ease.

• Kanikka Kapur stands out, portraying her character with confidence and charm.

• The rest of the supporting cast is passable, but no one leaves a particularly memorable impact.

Direction & Execution

Director Avnish Barjatya manages to capture the vibrant atmosphere of a North Indian destination wedding. The grandeur of the wedding scenes is well depicted, without unnecessary melodrama. The direction focuses on delivering a feel-good experience. However, the film's narrative is far too predictable, lacking the emotional depth or originality that could have elevated it.

Music & Visuals

• Music: A major shortcoming. Wedding-themed films often rely heavily on their soundtrack, but Dono lacks memorable songs that could have enhanced the experience.

• Cinematography: The visuals are pleasant, with well-framed shots capturing the festive ambiance.

• Production Design: The luxurious sets and vibrant color palette add to the celebratory mood.

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Strengths

✅ Light-hearted and Relatable: A simple, easy-going film that doesn't attempt to complicate things.
✅ Wedding Aesthetic: The grandeur and joy of Indian weddings are beautifully presented.
✅ Decent Performances: Lead actors manage to keep the narrative afloat.

Weaknesses

❌ Lackluster Music: A critical flaw for a wedding-themed movie.
❌ Ordinary Performances: While serviceable, none of the actors deliver a standout performance.
❌ Predictable Narrative: The story unfolds exactly as expected, with little to no surprises.
❌ No Emotional Impact: The absence of strong emotional moments leaves the film forgettable.

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My Personal Take on Cinema

Dono is a simple, harmless watch that may appeal to those seeking a light, breezy romantic drama. However, it misses the mark when it comes to creating lasting memories. Films like these, centered around weddings, often thrive on their music and emotional appeal, but Dono lacks both.

Rajveer, though carrying the legacy of the Deol family, falls short in making a lasting impression. His performance feels dated, and in an era where newcomers are raising the bar, Rajveer seems out of place.

That said, the film's positive atmosphere and relatable moments might still resonate with viewers who enjoy uncomplicated, feel-good cinema.

Rating: 

2.5/5